The event was held on June 21, 2025 at The Home of Janet & Nayab Siddiqui at Potomac, Maryland, who welcomed warmly the prominent personalities of Maryland
Dr. Surinder S. Gill, Ambassador for Peace USA, served as co-host of the event and attended with his core team.
Potomac, Maryland | June 21, 2025 (Sarabjit S. Gill)
In a powerful display of civic engagement, members of the Sikh American community joined Maryland’s top Democratic leadership at a high-profile fundraising reception for State Comptroller Brooke Lierman. The event, hosted at the Potomac residence of Janet and Nayab Siddiqui, served as a testament to the Sikh community’s growing political involvement and commitment to inclusive leadership.
Dr. Surinder S. Gill, Ambassador for Peace USA, co-hosted the event alongside his leadership team. The fundraiser was spearheaded by veteran public figure Terry Lierman, father of Comptroller Brooke Lierman, whose dedication was instrumental in organizing the successful gathering.
The evening brought together a distinguished group of Sikh leaders and advocates, including Satinder Singh Kang, Davinder S. Gill, Harjit S. Hundal, Harbans Singh Khalsa (Chairman, Sikhs of DMV), Amarjit Singh Sandhu (Commissioner, South Asian Affairs; President, Sikhs of DMV), Harjit Singh (former President, SAD), Gurinder Singh Khalsa, Ajaipal Singh Khalsa (former Secretary, SAD), Harpreet S. Gill (Sikhs of DMV), and Harjit S. Hundal (CEO, Sabrang USA). They were joined by community ally Raj Rathour, Trustee of BAPS, further reflecting broad South Asian support for progressive leadership in Maryland.
Other Community leaders Obaid ahmed, Sultan Chaudhary, Barbara Elel, Kash FIrozvi, Chaudia Grimaldi, Josh Hantman, Majid Hussain, Shafiq Khan, Douglas Legum, Ram Mukunda, Eula Secka, Qaisar Shareef, Gul Sher, Dipak Thakker, Dennis Weinman also extended their support to the event.
Thai Nguyen Commissioner South Asian Commission was also present along with her better half and contributed to the fund raising of comptroller of Maryland.
Maryland Secretary of State Susan Lee addressed the attendees, highlighting the critical role of civic unity and participation in strengthening democracy. She praised the Sikh community for its leadership and urged all ethnic and faith communities to remain engaged in shaping the state’s future through active voting and public service. Devang Shaw, Treasurer of the Democratic Trust of Maryland, also acknowledged the Sikh community’s growing influence in state politics and commended their consistent commitment to the values of equity and representation.
Comptroller Brooke Lierman, the evening’s guest of honor, expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Sikh American community for their generous support and active involvement. She reaffirmed her commitment to economic justice, transparency, and efficient public service delivery — values shared by the communities present.“The Sikh community exemplifies what it means to be engaged, compassionate, and visionary,” said Lierman. “Your leadership and partnership are vital to building a stronger, more inclusive Maryland.”
The event was widely praised as a model of grassroots political engagement, bringing together faith, culture, and governance in a shared vision for progress.